British broadcaster Sky has given its set-top box interface a fresh lick of paint, adding "Suggestions" -- a new option that recommends programmes to watch based on what you've been recording and downloading.

For instance, Sky says, if you've been watching a lot of a Kevin-Bacon-em-up "The Following", you'll be advised to investigate crime dramas like "Luther."

Sky, which claims to have 10.5 million customers signed up to its TV service, is also adding a feature called "Smart Series Link", which lets you set your Sky box to record the next season of a TV show, once it starts airing.

Catch-up

Sky's recommendation engine is playing catch-up with other services like Virgin Media Tivo, which automatically saves programs it thinks you'll like. Online streaming service Netflix is particularly recommendation-focused, dedicating the majority of its interface to a big grid of items based on your viewing history.

The update, which adds a number of other minor interface tweaks, is beaming out now and will be available to all Sky+ HD customers with compatible boxes by winter, the broadcaster says.

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Luke Westaway is a senior editor at CNET and writer/ presenter of Adventures in Tech, a thrilling gadget show produced in our London office. Luke's focus is on keeping you in the loop with a mix of video, features, expert opinion and analysis.
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